Rory supports energy saving week ahead of winter

25/10/2012

Rory this week gave his support to Citizens Advice as it launched its Big Energy Saving Week (22-27 October) to help people cut their winter fuel bills. The campaign aims to give people practical advice on how they can ‘check, switch and insulate’ to make savings on their energy bill.

Fuel poverty is a key issue in the constituency of Penrith and the Border, the most sparsely populated constituency in England.

According to new figures from Citizens Advice, two thirds of people think their energy bill will be higher this winter, with many living in colder homes than they would like. The figures also show that 62% do not have the heating on as much and 18% are not using some rooms in their home in a bid to cut the size of their energy bills. Despite this only a quarter had checked with their supplier to see if they were on the best deal.

Rory said: “It is vital that we do what we can to help the vulnerable this winter with regard to their energy bills. This is a particularly important issue in Penrith and the Border, due to its unique rurality. That’s why I am backing Big Energy Saving Week, and proud to be involved in the Fair Fuel Campaign. I am also pressing to develop “smart meter” grid in the town of Wigton.”

Citizens Advice, Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said: “People must check, switch and insulate to make sure that they’re getting the best deal for their energy. Big energy bills and rising daily costs are putting extra pressure on household budgets that are already stretched thin. We’re worried that some people are finding themselves unnecessarily hard-up because they’re paying more than they have to for their fuel bill and aren’t getting all of the help that’s available to them. Throughout Big Energy Saving Week we’re helping the nation prepare for winter and putting money back in people’s pockets.”

To ease the strain of energy bills on your budget you can get advice online at www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk, on the phone 0300 123 1234 or through your local CAB and at local Big Energy Saving Week events.